Knee Buckle

Date1770-1790

MediumSilver, Iron/Steel, Paste

DimensionsOH: 1/8"; OW: 1 1/4"; OL: 1 7/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1964-298

DescriptionKnee buckle: small, rectangular steel knee buckle with open center and rounded corners; face set with double row of round paste stones; hinged grip attached to underside at center.
Label TextKnee buckles were essential jewelry for men's breeches in the 18th Century.
Men's breeches ended with a garter around the bottom of the knees. This tightened around the knee with the help of a buckle in order to keep the man’s stockings from falling down. The "T" shape of the chape or fluke, slipped into a buttonhole made at the back side of the garter. The longer section of the garter from the front of the knee went through buckle and was held in place by the tines or tongue. The buckles were removable and could be switched from garment to garment.

This buckle is made with a steel case that a double row of paste stones are set in. The process of making paste or leaded glass stones was perfected by a Parisian jeweler in the 1730s. Paste was highly reflective and bright when hit by light and made an excellent substitute for precious stones.

MarkingsNone Found
ProvenanceVendor: Robert H. Palmiter, Houckville, NY
Ex coll: Glen-Sanders, Scotia, NY